Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Repairing Torn Earlobes?

Doctor Answers 28

Insurance covers traumatic ear repair

September 29th, 2011

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My advice is to get to a plastic surgeon right away if your earlobe is torn. Most insurances cover traumatic repair of the earlobes but question whether elective surgery is cosmetic in nature. My office fields these questions all the time and is adept at making pre-authorization inquiries to clarify coverage in advance of surgery.

Insurance does not cover torn earlobes in Georgia

July 6th, 2010

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Torn earlobes are not covered by insurance, at least in Georgia. However, the procedure is so simple and inexpensive it shouldn't be a problem to get them fixed. It's done in the office with local. We charge $250 per earlobe.

Does insurance cover the cost of repairing torn earlobes?

August 2nd, 2014

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Hello! Thank you for your question! Surgical procedures for aesthetic
purposes, to improve appearance, are not covered by insurance.
Typically, these as well as complications resulting from such procedures
are the responsibility of the patient. Procedures that are meant to
correct functional issues and those which cause health-related issues
should be covered by your insurance as a medical necessity, with proper
examination and documentation. Some insurance plans have exclusion
criteria for certain procedures. Also, it is an obligation of the
surgeon not to attempt to authorize purely cosmetic procedures through
insurance.

Discuss your issues and
complaints with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss these as
well as to examine and assist you in deciding which procedure(s) will be
the best for you. Typically torn earlobes are cosmetic procedures not covered by insurance. Certainly, pay in advance prior to your surgical procedure and options
such as financing are available if you qualify. Cot will vary among surgeons and you geographic location. This can usually be done in office under local anesthesia with a flat fee for all. Hope that this helps!
Best wishes!

Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Repairing Torn Earlobes?

August 14th, 2013

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Thank you for your question, Brenda. Every insurance policy is different, so your question is not easily answered with a yes or no. Often the procedure is considered cosmetic and will not be covered. Certain plans allow earlobe repair in some circumstances such as following a recent traumatic earlobe tear - especially if it is repaired immediately following the episode of trauma. Check with your insurance carrier regarding the particulars of your case. Good luck.

Torn earlobe and insurance...

September 27th, 2012

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Torn earlobes are mostly caused by people who wear heavy earrings over long periods of time or by people who have inherently weaker earlobes. Ear lobe repair is a quick procedure which is done under local anesthesia. After the stitches are removed, the ear usually heals nicely and it is safe to have your ears pierced 6 after weeks. This is a cosmetic procedure and will not be covered by insurance unless you go to the office on the day that it rips and a laceration is visible. The cost of the procedure varies upon which doctor you see but usually runs about $700 per ear. Be sure to consult with a Board Certified Facial Plastic or Plastic Surgeon when scheduling a consultation.

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